Roscoe Dean Godsey passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2020 after a long battle with cancer in the comfort of his home. He chose cremation so he could ‘finally kill the cancer'. Due to Covid-19 and the restrictions in place, his family chose to postpone his service until all could gather to celebrate the life he built and lived so wonderfully.
Dean, as he was known, was born to Burl John and Pearl Irene (Carver) Godsey on March 8, 1936. He attended Harlan School nearly his whole life and graduated in 1956. After graduation he worked for Bill Christolear Construction and was then called to serve his country for two years. Once he returned from service, Dean farmed for Verlyn St. Clair. He also worked for the Smith County Highway Department and Kirwin Irrigation as a ditch-rider before finding and settling into his career with the United States Postal Service. Dean served as the postmaster at the Gaylord Post Office for 39 years. His retirement came with the implementation of computers, as they ‘weren't his cup of tea'.
In 1962, he married Delpha Dene Park. To this union Dena Christine (Dannenberg) and John Darin were born. Later there were six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren added to their family. They resided in Gaylord, the home they created for over 40 years within walking distance to work and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Dean loved to attend ALL the activities his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren participated and competed in. There was not an activity where Dean could not be found in the auditorium, stands or along ringside where he provided lots of love and laughter for his family and the other children and families he loved like his own. In his younger years, Dean enjoyed playing baseball for both the Smith Center American Legion and the men's softball team in Gaylord and Osborne. He was a member of the Harlan Valley Circle 4-H Club where he proudly showed Hereford pigs. As a member of the community, he was involved in the Gaylord Commercial Club, Sportsman Club, and the Volunteer Fire Department. He took great pride in his duty to procure the watermelon for the annual Gaylord Labor Day celebration each year.
Dean had a unique ability to make others laugh and feel welcome. He never ran short on hugs to give and his jokes could bring a smile to anyone's face. He looked forward to seeing old friends whenever the opportunity arose. He was most proud of his family and loved his time with them. He received his final wish to be home, where he could receive all the hugs and love his tender heart craved and deserved when his Lord called him home.
He will be greatly missed by his loving wife of over 57 years, his family, friends, and neighbors. Dean joined his parents and sister, Sonya Rose; and his mother and father in-law, Alpha Pete and Flossie Park, in heaven who went before him. Those left to continue to live his legacy include his wife, Delpha; children Dena (Kaid) Dannenberg and Darin (Terri) Godsey, both of Gaylord; and his grandchildren Corineah (Ben) Williams, Emily Godsey, Grady (Jenilee) Godsey, Shelby Dannenberg, Kaitlynn Godsey and Camdan Dannenberg. There are nine great-grand children who will always know they were deeply and dearly loved by him - Kenya Godsey, Honey Henderson, Colyer Williams, Amya Henderson, Khalia Henderson, Graham Williams, Emari Johnson, Traxton Hidgon and John Wylan Godsey.
A celebration of Dean's life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at All Faiths Funeral Chapel, Smith Center, KS, with pastor Mike Gooder officiating. Inurnment will follow at Gaylord Cemetery, Gaylord, Kan.
Memorials may be given to Hospice Services of Smith County or New Covenant Church, Smith Center and can be sent in care of All Faiths Funeral Chapel, 113 S. Madison St., Smith Center, KS 66967.